Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 356-368 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 357 2 Soil and Environmental Conditions for Cherry Tomatoes 2.1 Suitable soil types and their physical and chemical properties for cherry tomatoes Cherry tomatoes thrive in well-drained, fertile soils with a balanced texture that supports both water retention and aeration. Optimal soil types include loamy and sandy loam soils, which provide the necessary balance of drainage and nutrient availability. Studies have shown that soil texture significantly impacts root distribution and nutrient uptake, which in turn affects yield and fruit quality. For instance, optimizing root distribution through appropriate soil management can enhance water use efficiency and yield (Shabbir et al., 2020). Additionally, soil bulk density and texture play crucial roles in determining the effectiveness of deficit irrigation strategies, which can improve fruit quality by increasing soluble solids and vitamin content (Lu et al., 2021). The chemical properties of the soil, such as organic matter content, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and nutrient levels, are also critical for the successful cultivation of cherry tomatoes. Organic fertilizers have been shown to improve soil properties significantly, including increasing soil organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels, which are essential for plant growth and fruit development (Fan et al., 2023). Long-term organic soil management systems, such as the application of manure and green manure, have been found to enhance soil fertility and support sustainable tomato production (Moccia et al., 2006). 2.2 The importance of ph balance and nutrient levels Maintaining an optimal pH balance in the soil is crucial for the growth and productivity of cherry tomatoes. The ideal soil pH for cherry tomatoes ranges from 6.0 to 6.8, which ensures the availability of essential nutrients and promotes healthy root development. Studies have demonstrated that organic fertilizers can help maintain a favorable pH balance, thereby enhancing nutrient uptake and improving yield and fruit quality (Fan et al., 2023). Soil pH also influences the effectiveness of nitrogen application, which is vital for tomato growth. Optimal nitrogen levels, typically between 236 and 354 kg·ha⁻¹, can significantly increase yield and improve fruit quality indicators such as vitamin C, soluble sugars, and total soluble solids (Cheng et al., 2021). Nutrient management is another critical aspect of cherry tomato cultivation. Balanced fertilization, including the appropriate application of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is essential for maximizing yield and fruit quality. Research has shown that specific combinations of irrigation and fertilizer levels can optimize the integrated growth of cherry tomatoes, particularly in arid regions (He et al., 2021). Additionally, the use of organic fertilizers has been found to improve soil nutrient levels and enhance tomato yield and quality compared to chemical fertilizers alone (Figure 1) (Fan et al., 2023). Figure 1 The number of tomato yield samples and global effects of organic fertilizer application on tomato yield (Adopted from Fan et al., 2023) 2.3 Management of temperature and humidity and climate adaptability analysis Temperature and humidity are key environmental factors that influence the growth, yield, and quality of cherry tomatoes. Optimal temperature ranges for cherry tomato cultivation are between 20°C and 25°C during the day
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